Walker, 90, beats fundraising target in two days

A 90-year-old man who is walking 90 miles for charity has exceeded his fundraising target after less than two days of his challenge.

Derrick Downs, from Margate, has raised more than £9,000 for the charity Oasis which supports domestic abuse victims.

Mr Downs, who set off from Dover on his birthday on Wednesday, aims to walk 10 miles each day for nine consecutive days.

He said he was "very excited about raising so much money" and was now hoping to double his fundraising figure.

Mr Downs said: "It makes the whole thing worthwhile.

"The next thing is to double the target".

On Thursday he walked through wind and rain from Folkestone to the village of Brabourne in four and a half hours.

He said: "Today the mud was thick but the wind and rain weren't too bad."

With a yellow weather warning for wind on Friday, Mr Downs said his plans remain unchanged.

He said: "I think the wind will be behind me - so it might even help.

"I'm bearing up well and I'm very confident for the rest of the walk.

"I'm in good shape."

Juliette Lyons, from the charity Oasis, said: "We are just so impressed that he is reaching his destination ahead of time every day and by the pace he is walking.

"He's a really inspirational character."

Mr Downs is due to complete the 90-mile walk in his home town, Margate, on 30 January.

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